ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

What is transient ischemic attack (tia)?

23 January 2026

This presents as an interruption or reduction of blood flow to the brain for a few minutes, usually due to the presence of a blood clot. It does not produce permanent damage, but its symptoms are virtually the same as an ischemic stroke, which is why it is known as a mini-stroke.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) can be considered a warning of a possible future stroke, allowing necessary measures to be taken to prevent it from happening.

It regularly occurs due to an accumulation of fat deposits containing cholesterol in an artery or one of its branches that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

There are certain factors that can contribute to the development of a TIA, including:

  • Family members who have had a TIA or a stroke.
  • Being over 50 years of age.
  • Sickle cell anemia.
  • Prior presence of a TIA.
  • The male sex has a greater predisposition to suffer a TIA and a stroke.

Signs and symptoms Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The symptoms are the same as those of a stroke, but their average duration here is 60 minutes, although in certain cases, they can last up to a full day:

  • Mental confusion.
  • Difficulty understanding spoken language.
  • Numbness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg.
  • High blood pressure (Hypertension).
  • High levels of cholesterol and sugar.
  • Double vision.
  • Visual problems in one or both eyes, which can lead to vision loss.
  • Sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
  • Sudden speech disturbances.
  • Sensation of vertigo (dizziness).

Diagnosis and treatment Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request the following studies to define the cause of the TIA and act in time:

  • Arteriography (Angiogram).
  • Echocardiography.
  • Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE).
  • Carotid Ultrasound.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan.

According to the results, the treatment to follow focuses on addressing the underlying conditions and preventing a future stroke, which may include:

  • Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications.

If the carotid arteries in the neck are narrow, you may require an angioplasty to open them in order to prevent blood clots from blocking blood flow to the brain.

The best way to avoid another TIA is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, avoiding obesity, engaging in regular daily physical activity, eliminating alcohol and tobacco consumption, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

At the Neurological Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors across various neurological specialties are prepared to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Related centers and departments Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Sources:

  • ada.com
  • cigna.com
  • mayocilinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Moro RR. Paciente masculino de 50 años que presenta accidente isquémico transitorio a repetición. Revista Cubana de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular. 2018;19(1):65-72.
  • Lozada-Pérez CA, Lozano-Nuevo JJ, Rubio-Guerra JF, et al. Escalas clínicas para diferenciar enfermedad vascular cerebral hemorrágica isquémica. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2012;50(3):255-260.
  • Chiquete E, Gómez-Piña JJ, Ramírez-García G, et al. Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria. Gac Med Mex. 2019;155(4):350-356.
  • Soto-Cossio LE, Hernández-Nieto CA, Hernández-Portales JA. Correlación entre concentraciones de ácido úrico y mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con evento vascular cerebral isquémico en un centro académico de alta especialidad. Med Int Mex. 2019;35(1):20-29.

How can we help you?

    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.